25CISCS2 | Science Performance Assessment (SPA) Program Coordinator

The contract involves the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) seeking a vendor to coordinate the Science Performance Assessment (SPA) Program from approximately November 2024 through June 2025, with options for renewal. The vendor will be responsible for providing professional learning, developing tools and resources—including online asynchronous learning modules—and supporting the creation of classroom performance assessment tasks. The project aims to enhance science assessment practices across classrooms, ensuring alignment with state standards and fostering improved student outcomes. The contract is valued between 500,000 and 1,500,000 dollars and is covered under the World Trade Organization (WTO) procurement rules, indicating an open and competitive bidding process. The procurement process is governed by comprehensive Massachusetts state contractual and procurement policies, including the Commonwealth Terms and Conditions, which specify payment mechanisms, confidentiality, record-keeping, and subcontracting rules. Bidders are required to complete specific forms, such as the Contractor Authorized Signatory Listing and Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) Plan Forms, to demonstrate compliance with state diversity and procurement standards. The contract emphasizes adherence to IT security standards and intellectual property rights provisions, clarifying ownership and licensing of deliverables. Additionally, the process incorporates policies promoting supplier diversity, requiring a minimum 1% spend commitment with certified diverse businesses, and mandates registration and compliance with the Commonwealth’s procurement platforms, notably COMMBUYS. Overall, the contract seeks a qualified vendor capable of delivering specialized assessment coordination services while aligning with Massachusetts’s procurement, diversity, and security standards.